May 30, 2005

Of course, noise isn’t the only culprit. “Even if you spent your life in
the library, you wouldn’t hear as well when you’re 70 as you do when you’re 20,”
says Dr. Robert Dobie, professor of otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat)
at the University of California, Davis. But who spent their lives in the
library? Not Kathy Peck and her fans; not the folks riding jackhammers on
road crews, and not the firefighters and cops dashing to the rescue with
their sirens screaming. Even pediatricians have been known to develop
hearing problems after years spent around crying babies.”

My about face on extended warranties:
“We now all but insist new flat screen purchases included an extended
warranty and if the customer declines, we bluntly inform them of the
consequences. This may seem a little harsh, but we’re not talking about
$300.00 DVD players that can be considered almost disposable, in the
scope of a larger project. We’re talking about a display that on average
sells for four thousand dollars or more.”

Smaller, intimate home theaters:
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining, it’s just that often
these 40x60 monsters are owned and used by families with 4 or less
members. Not surprisingly the construction based on square footage alone,
often exceeds all other costs combined.”